Ice cream treats are a fun part of summer, and most of us wouldn’t want the season to go by without enjoying a frozen dessert now and again throughout these hotter months.  The good news is that there is absolutely no reason for you to have to give them up, even if your goal is weight control.  The key is to know precisely what you’re eating so that you can make smart decisions regarding your choices.

Ice Cream Treats Can be Packed with Calories or Completely Reasonable

When it all comes down to it, being able to have ice cream treats when you want them comes down to making the right choices.  There are some options that are filled to the brim with nutrient-free calories.  There are others that are surprisingly light.  You can choose whatever you want, of course, but your dish of the first option will need to be tiny compared to the size of the latter.

By knowing your options and being smart about your portion sizes, you can have the ice cream teats you crave and feel great knowing that you’re not causing any harm to your progress toward your health and weight loss goals.

Fast Food Swaps for Ice Cream Treats You Can Enjoy

One of the easiest ways to make sure you stay on track with your ice cream treats is simply to choose lighter options and smaller sizes.  That way, you can get all the flavor and enjoyment without overdoing it.  It’s also a lot of fun to discover that you can often get the same taste and experience by knowing how to make fast food options for yourself at home while slashing their calorie content. They really will taste just as good, but they won’t lead to nearly the setbacks.

Here are three fast food favs and how to make alternative versions at home that will save you hundreds of calories per serving.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard at Dairy Queen

• Their version (small size): 580 calories
• Our version: 350 calories
• Savings: 200 calories

Here’s how to make it.

• 1 cup Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow Churned Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
• 1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy

Give the ice cream a moment to slightly soften. Chop the peanut butter cup to a coarse texture. Gently stir them together in a bowl.  Enjoy!

McCafe Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s

• Their version (small size): 530 calories
• Our version: 350 calories
• Savings: 180 calories

Here’s how to make this seasonal favorite whenever you want it!

• 5 cups Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow-Churned Vanilla Ice Cream
• Mint extract, to taste (add a drop at a time until you find your personal perfect amount)
• ½ cup skim milk

Give the ice cream a moment to soften slightly so that it will blend smoothly.  Add the ice cream and mint extract to blender, pouring milk into the blender for desired consistency.  Work quickly before it melts! Pour into cup and enjoy.

Founder’s Favorite Sunday from Coldstone Creamery

• Their version (small/“like it” size): 570 calories
• Our version: 290 calories
• Savings: 280 calories

Here’s how to make it.

• ½ cup Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow-Churned Butter Pecan Ice Cream
• ½ cup Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow-Churned Fudge Brownie Ice Cream
• 1 tbsp Smucker’s caramel sundae syrup

Give both ice creams a moment to slightly soften, then swirl them together in a bowl. Top with the syrup.